What is Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's disease is probably one of theIf treatment is given early enough, it can slightly slow
commonest causes of Dementia. It is a degenerativedown the disease, but unfortunately it is incurable at
disease of the brain that effectively starts in thethe time of writing.
cerebral cortex. It is mostly characterised by theOnce Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed, then the
gradual and progressive decline in a person's mentalperson should be given as much help and aid as
abilities. It affects both sexes generally those whofeasible, especially in the early stages. Unfortunately
are over the age of 60, yet Alzheimer's has beenmany people who are diagnosed with Alzheimer's
known to occur in people as early as age 40.disease are conscious at first that something is
The earliest symptoms of Alzheimer's disease arewrong with them (although they may go into denial),
simple forgetfulness. This is mostly disregardedand being aware you are "losing your mind" can be a
especially if the person is elderly, as it is commonlytruly shocking and frightening experience.
put down to their age, but it steadily progresses toTheir family ought, also to be given help to come to
more severe symptoms such as trouble in performingterms with the diagnosis as it can have a distressing
easy or regular tasks such as fastening buttons oreffect on them especially if the person with
tying shoelaces.Alzheimer's is younger and brings in part of the
There is a progressive deterioration in both thehousehold income.
person's mental and bodily state and abilitiesThere are several support groups they can join who
additionally, also their recall. There is also a differencewill help them to adjust and come to terms with the
in the actions and personality of the person withlife altering disease that has befallen their loved one.
Alzheimer's, with their ordinary actions becoming aIn the very later stages of Alzheimer's disease, the
thing of the past. For example someone who hasperson gets so bad that many families have no
always been gentle and kind may begin to use filthychoice but to place their relation in a nursing home so
words and make inappropriate sexual advances orthey can be cared for professionally. This can also be
become violent and begin striking and lashing out atdistressing for both them and the person who is ill.
people.The reason for Alzheimer's disease is not known, yet
In the later stages of Alzheimer's, the personscientists and doctors have many thoughts about its
eventually becomes incapable of performing any taskorigins. There have been many theories such as the
at all. They also become doubly incontinent, lose theirdeposition of aluminium in the brain, to fluoride in the
power of speech, lose the ability to walk properly,water but nothing has been positively identified as
suffer paralysis and lose their total memory.the course of this horrible disease.